Triclosan, Triclocarban, and the Microbiota

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Changes in microbial flora [ Time Frame: 5 months in each phase for a total of 10 month study period ]

We will assess diversity and quantities of microbial flora in gut, skin, mouth before, during, and after triclosan use.

Microbial resistance [ Time Frame: 5 months in each phase for a total of 10 month study period ]

We will assess whether triclosan use correlates with microbial resistance

Time to alteration in flora. [ Time Frame: 5 months in each phase for a total of 10 month study period ]

We will assess time to change in alterations in microbial flora, if any.

Original Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE

Same as current

Change History

No Changes Posted

Current Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE

Not Provided

Original Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE

Not Provided

Current Other Outcome Measures ICMJE

Not Provided

Original Other Outcome Measures ICMJE

Not Provided

Descriptive Information

Brief Title ICMJE

Triclosan, Triclocarban, and the Microbiota

Official Title ICMJE

Triclosan, Triclocarban, and the Microbiota

Brief Summary

Triclosan (5-chloro-2 (22,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent that is found in thousands of common household products, including deodorants, toothpaste, "antibacterial" soaps, cleaning products, kitchen utensils, bedding, socks, trash bags. The benefits of triclosan have not been proven except in reducing plaque and gingivitis when used in toothpaste. In this study, the investigators intend to look at whether exposure to triclosan changes the colonizing flora of the skin, gut and mouth as well as changes in certain blood hormone levels, including adipocytokines, androgens, and inflammatory markers. Changes in the gut microbiota have been associated with a variety of disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer. Additionally, reductions in the microbiome diversity have been associated with obesity.

Detailed Description

Hypothesis: Exposure to triclosan changes microbial flora and leads to changes in

Objectives:

Assess diversity and quantities of microbial flora in gut, skin, mouth before, during, and after TC use

Here, we propose a pilot study in which we will compare the microbial flora of subjects who use triclosan-containing personal hygiene products and those who use triclosan-free products. We will randomize half the cohort to triclosan-containing personal hygiene products including toothpaste, liquid hand soap, bar soap, and dish soap for half of the cohort for a 5-month period of time. The participants and investigators will be blinded as to whether they are using triclosan-containing products or triclosan-free products by blinding the packaging. After about 5 months, the participants will cross-over to the other arm.

During a lead-in period of about 2 weeks, we will collect urine samples for a baseline triclosan level and body weight. We will also collect Leptin, Resistin, Grehlin, IL 10, IL17, PAI-1 Plasminogen activator inhibitor -1, TNFa, IFN-g, Insulin, IGF, Glucagon, CRP, TSH, Free T4T3, Estradiol, Testosterone free, Testosterone total, Adiponectin, IL6, Visfatin, H. pylori, ESR. Blood, urine, and body weight will be collected at three points in the study: prior to first phase, in between phases, and after completion of second phase.

We will collect stool, skin, tooth, and saliva samples multiple times throughout the study and submit for pyrosequencing.

Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two arms with either triclosan/triclocarban-containing personal care products or products without triclosan/triclocarban. After 5 months, each subject will cross over to the other arm.

Study Arms

Red

This arm will either start with personal care products that contain triclosan and then and cross over to personal care products that do not contain triclosan or vice-versa. Since the investigators are blinded, it is not clear which arm is which.

This arm will either start with personal care products that contain triclosan and then and cross over to personal care products that do not contain triclosan or vice-versa. Since the investigators are blinded, it is not clear which arm is which.